Micrognathia Orthodontic Disorder

A profile picture of a young adult female with a congenital defect of Micrognathia, a developmental disorder affecting jawbone growth.

Micrognathia is also characterized by a prominent upper lip and receding chin. The diagnosis is confirmed by a short mandible (lower jaw).

This orthodontic anomaly is usually associated with chromosomal abnormalities, teratogenic drugs (such as methotrexate) and genetic syndromes that can include:

Pierre Robin syndrome
Hallerman-Streiff syndrome

Trisomy 13
Trisomy 18
Progeria
Treacher-Collins syndrome
X0 syndrome ( Turner syndrome )
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
Russell-Silver syndrome
Seckel syndrome
Cri du chat syndrome
Marfan syndrome

The significant differences in skeletal growth of the upper and lower jaw creates functional difficulties including swallowing, chewing, eating, speech articulation problems and potential dysfunction of the TMJ joints.

Diagnostic Orthognathic Procedure

Sleep Apnea and Airway Obstruction Disorders may also occur in some cases.

Treatment considerations and recommendations could include orthognathic surgery to expand and realign the mandibular and maxillary jaws, with possible follow up treatments of traditional orthodontics or the use of corrective appliances.

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist
Mitchell Pohl, DDS
2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 105
Boca Raton Florida FL 33431
(561) 368-3440

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